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Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation

Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center

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Address
2351 Veteran’s Road West
Staten Island, NY 10309
  New York City Region
Latitude 40.53758
Longitude -74.225349
  Directions

Group Programs

The Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center offers interactive exhibits and environmental education programs. Come learn about the Preserve's natural environment and rich history of the Lenape, the Free Blacks of Sandy Ground, the clay-miners, and organic farmer Herbert Gericke. Historical artifacts as well as wildlife specimens native to Staten Island's south shore are on display. Visitors can get up close and personal with live animals, enjoy the touch discovery station, look through a children's stereoscope or play in the kid's activity area. Be sure to venture outside and explore the miles of trails that wander among meadows, forests, wetlands, streams and to Sharrotts Pond.

The Interpretive Center offers environmental education programs year round for schools at all grade levels as well as interpretive programs, hikes, and themed walks for youth organizations and the general public. Contact the Center for more information on public, school, scout or camp programs.

Hours of Operation

  • The Park Office, located at 83 Nielsen Ave, Staten Island, NY is open 9 AM - 5 PM daily. Phone: (718) 967-1976 The Preserve gounds are open dawn to dusk.
  • The Interpretive Center is open Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am - 4:30 pm and Sundays 12:00 pm - 4:30 pm with exhibits, classroom space, games and access to Preserve trails.

Fees & Rates

  • Program Fees
  • All programs are FREE of charge. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Wed 13 Aug
Young Naturalists
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Become a naturalist during this weekly nature exploration! Each week we will explore a new topic. Come to all sessions and earn a special certificate! We will hike up to 1 mile during the program. Ages 5-12. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Wed 13 Aug
Lifecycle of Stars Lecture & Stargazing
Wednesday, August 13, 2025 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Join NASA Ambassador Harold Kozak to learn all about the birth, mature, and death of stars, and get a chance to take home some NASA memorabilia. We will also walk to Sharrotts Pond to stargaze through our telescope. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Thu 14 Aug
Tot Time
Thursday, August 14, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Explore a different nature theme each week during this free play group. Story time begins at 10:30am, followed by a short hike at 11am, weather permitting. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Fri 15 Aug
Junior Rangers: Trail Warriors
Friday, August 15, 2025 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Learn outdoor skills, meet park rangers, and become stewards of the environment! Recommended ages 8-14. Trails are not stroller friendly. Click here to register!
Registration: Required
Sat 16 Aug
Summertime Splash Bash
Saturday, August 16, 2025 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Clay Pit Ponds Interpretive Center
Stay cool in the heat with sprinklers, water tables, and watercolor painting. All ages. Click here to register!
Registration: Required

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